Health

Medical research into fracking is increasing rapidly. Most studies show impacts, and an increasing number of medical organisations and professionals are calling for a temporary or permanent ban on fracking.

Most papers on the topic have been published in the last couple of years, since the UK government last reviewed the health impacts of fracking. So our government’s current position is based on out of date science.

Here are just a few key reports on the health impacts of fracking.

British Medical Journal Letter

Eighteen senior UK health professionals have written to the BMJ, saying that “The arguments against fracking on public health and ecological grounds are overwhelming.”

We write as concerned health professionals who seek to draw the public’s attention to the dangers associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and shale gas extraction in the United Kingdom, as highlighted by a recent report published by Medact.

Fracking is an inherently risky activity that produces hazardous levels of air and water pollution that can have adverse impacts on health. The heavy traffic, noise and odour that accompanies fracking, as well as the socially disruptive effects of temporary ‘boomtowns’ and the spoilage of the natural environment are additional health hazards.

Such risks would be magnified in the UK where fracking is projected to take place in closer proximity to more densely populated communities; and where there are concerns about the effectiveness of the regulatory system for onshore gas extraction.

But in addition to this, shale gas is not a clean source of energy. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas in its own right, and when burnt, produces carbon dioxide. Shale gas extraction would undermine our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and be incompatible with global efforts to prevent global warming from exceeding two degrees centigrade.

The arguments against fracking on public health and ecological grounds are overwhelming. There are clear grounds for adopting the precautionary principle and prohibiting fracking.

Medact Report – Health & Fracking

“The arguments against fracking on public health and ecological grounds are overwhelming. There are clear grounds for adopting the precautionary principle and prohibiting fracking”

We have paper copies of this report available, get in touch if you’d like one/some.

Fracking Wells Linked to Significantly Higher Hospital Admissions

Increased hospitalisations for people living near fracking wells, especially for the heart and nervous system, as well as cancer, skin and urinary problems.

A scientific study looked at hospital utilisation rates for 3 counties in Pennsylvania, with a population of 160,000.

“This study examines an association between wells and healthcare use by zip code from 2007 to 2011 in Pennsylvania.

These data suggest that unconventional gas and oil drilling wells, which dramatically increased in the past decade, were associated with increased inpatient prevalence rates within specific medical categories in Pennsylvania.”

Fracking Wells Linked to Premature Births & High Risk Pregnancies

Study of 10,000 pregnancies in Pennsylvania associates unconventional gas development with pregnancy outcomes.

“Unconventional gas development has expanded rapidly … in Pennsylvania from 0 to 3,689 wells in 8 years.
Prenatal residential exposure to unconventional natural gas development activity was associated with two pregnancy outcomes, adding to evidence that unconventional natural gas development may impact health.”

“The growth in the fracking industry has gotten way out ahead of our ability to assess what the environmental and, just as importantly, public health impacts are.
The first few studies have all shown health impacts”

Grandmother and midwife Donna Young noticed a sudden and alarming increase in birth defects and still births in Vernal, Texas – a town built by oil. After years of delivering healthy babies there was a girl with a shredded epiglottis, choking her when she tried to feed; a boy born tongue-tied and with a clubfoot; a girl born tongue-tied and lip-tied as well, preventing her from latching onto her mother’s breast. All required surgeries days after birth. Still others were born tiny or with mangled placentas.

At least ten babies would die that year – a shockingly big number for a small town.

After Young spoke to the media about the infant deaths, she received threats and now goes to bed with her gun by her side.